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Chris Rodriguez Jr. to Lead the Jaguars in Carries?
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated has Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. listed atop the team's RB depth chart ahead of training camp. His gut feeling says that Rodriguez will lead the team in carries, but then writes that he doesn't know if there will be "enough of a difference between his workload" and Bhayshul Tuten's. LeQuint Allen Jr. projects as the RB3 as the top passing-down back, while DeeJay Dallas and undrafted rookie J'Mari Taylor will battle for the RB4 spot. Travis Etienne Jr. is now in New Orleans, which was paving the way for Tuten to be an easy breakout candidate in fantasy football in 2026, until the Jags signed C-Rod. The 25-year-old got a two-year, $10 million deal from Jacksonville, and he has familiarity with head coach Liam Coen from their time at Kentucky. Tuten surely has plenty of explosive potential, but the team also likes Rodriguez's abilities as a tough inside runner. Rodriguez averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his three seasons with the Commanders, and he added seven total touchdowns in 13 games in 2025. Right now, both Rodriguez and Tuten are shaping up to be WR3/flex options every week in fantasy if their workload is split mostly down the middle.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Is Kyle Tucker's Middling Production to Open 2026 His New Norm?
Through the first month of the 2026 season, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker hasn't quite given his new team the production they were hoping for. Across 133 plate appearances, Tucker is hitting .241/.331/.371 with three home runs, 15 RBI, 21 runs scored, and three stolen bases. The 29-year-old has been a bit better of late, as he enters play on Thursday riding a five-game hitting streak. Still, Tucker's 21.8% strikeout rate is his worst mark since 2019. His underlying metrics don't point to an imminent power breakout either, as his 8.0% barrel rate is the lowest mark he's posted since a 72-plate appearance sample size from his rookie season in 2018. As long as Tucker stays healthy, he's a lock for everyday playing time in Los Angeles and should continue to rack up counting stats, which gives him a safe fantasy floor. However, fantasy managers hoping for Tucker to return to his 29-homer, 30-steal peak from 2023 may end up disappointed.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ravens Sign Former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia
The Baltimore Ravens signed former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to a three-year deal earlier this week, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Pavia was scheduled to try out during the team's rookie minicamp this weekend, but the Ravens scooped him up before that could happen. The 24-year-old undrafted free agent will compete with fellow rookie Joe Fagnano in training camp this summer for the Ravens to see who will enter the 2026 season as the QB3 behind starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley. Surprisingly, the Heisman Trophy finalist in college did not attract the interest from a single team during seven rounds of the NFL draft. Pavia produced in college, but he lacks size (5-foot-10), and he's old for a rookie at 24 years of age. At the very least, he should be on Baltimore's practice squad this year, but he lacks the measurables to be a very exciting stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues. Pavia threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns at Vandy last year while also adding 862 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Can Ezequiel Tovar Break Out of Extended Cold Streak?
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar has largely been a steady producer throughout his career to this point. However, the 24-year-old is off to a nightmarish start to the 2026 season, hitting .195/.235/.292 with one home run, eight RBI, nine runs scored, and two stolen bases across 119 plate appearances entering play on Thursday. Tovar's plate skills remain a major flaw, as he's walked in just 3.4% of his plate appearances while striking out at a 29.4% clip. Unlike in previous seasons, Tovar's quality of contact hasn't been enough to make up for his free-swinging approach, as he currently owns a career worst 7.7% barrel rate. Tovar's .273 batting average on balls in play is significantly below his career average of .327, so he should see some regression over a larger sample size of plate appearances. Still, fantasy managers may want to consider going in a different direction, particularly when Tovar and the Rockies are on the road and away from the hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chiefs "Super High" on Emmett Johnson
The Kansas City Chiefs were "super high" on former Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson before selecting him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL draft, and vice president of player personnel Ryne Nutt said the team was surprised he was still available in the fifth round when they traded up to take him. Johnson was the only player in college football to average more than 150 scrimmage yards per game last year, and he led the Big 10 with 1,451 rushing yards and finished second among all RBs in catches (46) while also scoring 15 touchdowns. He was graded as high as a third-round pick by some analysts. "He's a juke button, he has very good feet, vision, feel, and he's very good out of the backfield," Nutt described. The Chiefs lost Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt in free agency, but they signed former Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III. Johnson is projected to be the immediate backup to Walker in the lead-back role, and Arrowhead Pride's Ron Kopp Jr. doesn't think we should be surprised if he earns his way onto the field on passing downs. At the very least, Johnson will be a handcuff option as a late-round flier in fantasy football redraft leagues in 2026.
Source: Arrowhead Pride - Ron Kopp Jr.
Source: Arrowhead Pride - Ron Kopp Jr.
With Potential Injury News Looming, Logan Henderson a Priority Stash in All Formats
Milwaukee Brewers pitching prospect Logan Henderson continues to be one of the top pitchers to stash for fantasy baseball while being downright dominant for Triple-A Nashville to begin the year. The Brewers' sixth-ranked prospect made his longest appearance of the season in his last outing, throwing 67 pitches (46 strikes) over five innings of one-run ball while striking out nine batters. The right-hander now owns a 1.02 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a 26:9 K:BB over 17 2/3 innings pitched. A 12.3 percent walk rate is a bit out of character for the former fourth-rounder after coming into the season with a 7.1 percent walk rate during his minor league career to that point, but he's still posting a strong 23.3 percent K-BB%. With Quinn Priester, who had a strong 2025 campaign, currently in the midst of a rehab assignment at Nashville, Henderson may have some competition the next time a rotation spot opens up, but he offers far more strikeout upside, and the 24-year-old is worthy of stashing in all formats. It is worth noting that Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff exited his start on Thursday in the second inning after seeing a significant dip in velocity compared to his previous starts, so the time is now to grab Henderson from the waiver wire.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Brandon Woodruff Exits Early from Start on Thursday After Drastic Velocity Drop
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (undisclosed) exited in the second inning of his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Woodruff's fastball velocity failed to reach 87 mph after sitting at 92.5 mph across his first five starts of the year. Woodruff faced just six batters against Arizona, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two across 1 1/3 scoreless innings. The 33-year-old had been effective across 28 2/3 innings entering Thursday, pitching to a 3.77 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and two wins. However, Woodruff has not reached 100 innings in a season since 2022 and missed the entire 2024 campaign due to shoulder surgery. While it's too early to speculate on an injury for Woodruff, the drastic velocity drop is obviously a major cause for concern. If Woodruff requires a trip to the injured list, Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson could get the call from Triple-A to take Woodruff's place in the Brewers rotation.
Source: ESPN - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN - Jeff Passan
Ty Simpson Met With Sean McVay Before the Draft
Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson said on ESPN Radio that he had secret meetings with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay before the Rams took Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. It was a bit of a surprise that the win-now Rams took Simpson with their first-round pick, a year after Matthew Stafford won the MVP. McVay said that he and general manager Les Snead were in lockstep and in agreement to take Simpson as the QB of the future in L.A., while also making sure to notify Stafford beforehand that they would select Simpson in the draft. McVay made it clear that this is still Stafford's team as they seek another Super Bowl championship in 2026 and beyond. Without much of a collegiate resume (Simpson started just one year at Alabama), the 23-year-old is expected to compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role this year. The Rams think Stafford is capable of playing beyond 2026, too, so fantasy managers in dynasty leagues must be prepared to play the long game with him as he develops behind Stafford.
Source: ESPN Radio
Source: ESPN Radio
Max Clark Remains an Elite Stash Option in All Formats
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark continues to show off his offensive potential that could soon be on display in the majors. The Tigers' second-ranked prospect is riding a four-game hit streak and has now reached base via hit or walk in all but three of his 26 games for Triple-A Toledo this season. The left-handed hitter is slashing .301/.378/.437 with nearly as many walks (14) as strikeouts (16) and nine stolen bases. The former third-overall draft pick came into the season with a career 18.5 percent strikeout rate, but has cut that all the way down to 13.4 percent this season, and it is looking like there isn't much left to prove offensively in the minors. President of baseball operations Scott Harris recently stated the team isn't ready to promote him, but with Detroit's outfield options getting thin after injuries to Parker Meadows (arm) and Javier Baez (ankle), the 21-year-old's MLB debut presumably draws nearer and nearer. With the potential to be a solid five-category contributor, there aren't many better hitters in the minor leagues to stash for fantasy.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jonah Coleman has Clear "Three-Down Potential" in Denver's Offense
Denver Broncos rookie fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman has clear "three-down potential" in the team's offense, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. However, with the Broncos already having second-year back RJ Harvey and veteran J.K. Dobbins, his first task in his rookie season might be giving the Broncos a "more complete presence in the third-down role." "The thing I would say is he's very physical," head coach Sean Payton said. "He can play on third down." The Broncos lost that physical rushing presence when Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury midway through last season. Denver struggled to run the football consistently with mostly Harvey after that, including into the playoffs. The 22-year-old Coleman is a bruising back (5-foot-8, 220 pounds) who has drawn comparisons to Dobbins for his tough rushing style between the tackles. He has clear three-down potential long-term, but in the short-term, he'll be a short-yardage asset for the Broncos while also helping in pass protection on third downs. Because of Dobbins' lengthy injury history, Coleman could become a weekly fantasy option quickly in 2026 if Dobbins misses more time with an injury.
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
Robby Snelling Looks to Rebound Friday, Still a Worthwhile Stash Option
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Robby Snelling should remain a top pitcher to stash in fantasy leagues for his strikeout upside. The Marlins' second-ranked prospect displayed uncharacteristically poor command in his latest start, yielding five walks and being charged with a wild pitch in five innings of work, but still only allowed two hits in the outing while adding four strikeouts. The southpaw owns a 2.25 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and a strong 22.3 percent K-BB% (35:14 K:BB) in 24 innings pitched at Triple-A Jacksonville. Snelling is not on the 40-man roster, while teammate Braxton Garrett is, and with the latter looking dominant in his own right, Snelling may not be the first name called when the Marlins need an arm, but he'll likely be called upon for his MLB debut in the coming weeks. Look for him to bounce back in his next start on Friday against Durham, and with his strikeout potential, the 22-year-old is worth stashing in deeper leagues ahead of his eventual call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Bobby Witt Jr. Riding 10-Game Hitting Streak Entering Play on Thursday
By his own lofty standards, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got off to a little bit of a slow start to the 2026 season. However, the 25-year-old has started to heat up as April draws to a close and is currently riding a 10-game hitting streak into the Royals matchup against the Athletics on Thursday. Across 134 plate appearances for the season overall, Witt Jr. is hitting .297/.366/.441 with two home runs, 15 RBI, 10 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. While Witt Jr.'s power stroke hasn't quite gotten going yet, his 12.2% barrel rate is right in line with his career mark of 11.9%, and his 52% hard-hit rate would be a single-season best. Witt Jr. remains an elite fantasy shortstop who should provide above-average five-category production once again in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yainer Diaz in Danger of Reduced Role in Houston?
Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz has gotten off to a slow start to the 2026 season. Entering play on Thursday, the 27-year-old is hitting .229/.250/.349 with two home runs, 12 RBI, and six runs scored across his first 88 plate appearances of the year. Diaz's underlying metrics don't provide much reason for optimism either, as he currently owns career low barrel (4.2%) and hard-hit (29.6%) rates. Diaz's lack of plate discipline continues to be an issue, as his 3.4% walk rate is right in line with his career mark of 3.6%. Diaz entered 2026 Spring Training dealing with a foot sprain, which could be a reason for his poor production at the plate so far. Either way, veteran Astros catcher Christian Vazquez is off to a red-hot start to the year with a .913 OPS. If Vazquez continues to play well and Diaz continues to struggle, Diaz could find himself losing playing time in Houston.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Josh Hader Return to Dominant Form in 2026 Once Healthy?
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader (biceps) has yet to pitch in 2026 as he works his way back from a biceps injury. There was some thought in Spring Training that Hader might have a chance to return in April, but the 32-year-old was transferred to the 60-day injured list in the middle of the month and is not eligible to return in late May. Still, the Astros have struggled mightily to backfill for Hader while he's been out, as right-hander Bryan Abreu has pitched to a 12.96 ERA. Hader remained one of the best relievers in baseball when healthy in 2025, pitching to a 2.05 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 76 strikeouts and 28 saves across 52 2/3 innings. Once he makes it back to the big leagues, Hader should immediately step in as the unquestioned closer in Houston. However, health remains a question mark until Hader can progress to a rehab assignment.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler 100 Percent Medically Cleared for Football Activities
Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) is 100% fully medically cleared for all football activities after suffering a torn right Achilles last September against the Green Bay Packers, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Ekeler intends to play in 2026 and is expected to draw plenty of interest. The 30-year-old was one of the premier pass-catching backs in the NFL in his seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before he signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season. He appeared in 12 games (six starts) for Washington in 2024, carrying the ball 77 times for 367 yards and four touchdowns while catching 35 passes for 366 receiving yards. Ekeler missed some time due to a concussion that year before playing in just two games in 2025 before tearing his Achilles. Ekeler might not be the same shifty back in space after his season-ending injury, but he could still give a team some solid pass-catching depth out of the backfield as he nears the end of his career.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Darius Slayton Undergoes Core-Muscle Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Camp
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (abdomen) recently had core-muscle surgery, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Slayton will miss spring workouts, but he's expected to be a full-go for training camp this summer. Barring a setback in his recovery, Slayton should be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. Top wideout Malik Nabers (knee) is also recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered early last season, so there are some definite question marks for New York's receiving room heading into the upcoming campaign. Wan'Dale Robinson departed in free agency, but the G-Men added Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III in free agency, and drafted Malachi Fields in the third round. The 29-year-old Slayton has seven years of experience in the NFL (all with the Giants), but he's never cleared 770 receiving yards, and he hasn't had more than four touchdowns in a single season since his rookie year, when he had eight. Slayton's roster spot in New York should be secure, but he'll be battling for targets with Mooney, Austin, and Fields, and he won't be a very intriguing late-round flier in standard 12-team fantasy leagues going into his eighth year in the league.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Keaton Mitchell's Dynasty Value Rising Heading into 2026
After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, running back Keaton Mitchell landed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this offseason. Mitchell's playing time in Baltimore was limited by injury issues and the presence of star Ravens running back Derrick Henry. However, Mitchell has averaged a highly efficient 6.8 yards per touch across a limited sample size of 140 career touches. 2025 first-round running back Omarion Hampton profiles as the clear RB1 in Los Angeles ahead of Mitchell. Still, Mitchell should have a chance to carve out a consistent RB2 and pass-catching role behind Hampton. He also has the benefit of working with new Chargers play-caller Mike McDaniel, who has proven the ability to produce offenses with multiple fantasy-relevant running backs during his time as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Dynasty managers should approach Mitchell with cautious optimism following his offseason move to Los Angeles.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jadarian Price Not Expected to Lead Seahawks' Backfield Right Away
The Seattle Seahawks made a major addition to their backfield on draft night, selecting University of Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the final pick of the first round. Given that Seattle lost star running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs, Price should eventually have a chance to take over as the Seahawks' RB1. However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the sense around the Seahawks is that Price "won't have to be a bell cow right away." Seattle running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a torn ACL in January, but should be able to make an impact once healthy. The Seahawks also signed former Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson in free agency. While Price is unquestionably the highest-upside running back in Seattle, it appears as though the team may look to bring him along slowly in his rookie season.
Source: ESPN - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN - Jeremy Fowler
Isaiah Bond's Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft
Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond recorded 18 receptions for 338 yards on 44 targets. While the 23-year-old's numbers don't necessarily leap off the page, he flashed some intriguing big-play upside while working with less-than-ideal quarterback play in Cleveland. Heading into his second NFL season in 2026, Bond could be in the mix for a prominent role with the Browns. Unfortunately for Bond and his dynasty value, Cleveland added a pair of well-regarded wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Browns used a first-round pick on Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion and a second-round pick on University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, both of whom could easily leapfrog Bond on the team's wide receiver depth chart. The Browns quarterback situation also remains as unsettled as ever, which throws the team's overall offensive environment into question. Bond still carries some fantasy upside, but his dynasty value has taken a hit following the NFL Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Vinnie Pasquantino Still Out With Back Injury on Thursday
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (back) will miss a second straight game on Thursday against the Athletics in the series finale at Sutter Health Park after aggravating a back injury on Tuesday night, according to MLB.com. Catcher Salvador Perez will start at first base again and bat cleanup against A's left-hander Jeffrey Springs, with Elias Diaz doing the catching for left-hander Noah Cameron while hitting ninth in the batting order. Pasquantino is not ready to return, plus the Royals are facing a lefty starter. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the Pasquatch going forward, as he said on Wednesday that he's been dealing with back issues for a while now. It helps explain why he's currently hitting just .167 (17-for-102) in the early portion of the year with three home runs, 14 RBI, and 11 runs scored. If he's unable to return to the Royals' starting lineup for their weekend series in Seattle against the Mariners, he might be forced to the 10-day injured list to let his back heal. UPDATE: Manager Matt Quatraro said that Pasquantino is available off the bench on Thursday, which is a good sign that he could return this weekend in Seattle.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Can James Cook Continue to Ascend in 2026 and Beyond?
Although Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was a highly productive player in his first three NFL seasons, he took his game to a new level in 2025. Across 17 games, the 26-year-old recorded 1,912 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns on 342 touches. Cook has always been an extremely efficient rusher, but the Bills coaching staff finally entrusted him with a true RB1 workload in 2025. Cook averaged 20.1 touches per game last season, well beyond his previous career-high of 16.5 touches per game in 2023. While the Bills shook up their coaching staff heading into 2026, former offensive coordinator Joe Brady is now the head coach in Buffalo and appears unlikely to drastically alter Cook's usage. Entering his age-27 season with an excellent offensive environment around him in Buffalo, Cook profiles as an elite dynasty running back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Soderstrom Sitting Again in Series Finale Against KC
Athletics first baseman/outfielder Tyler Soderstrom (head, shoulder) remains out of the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park, according to MLB.com. Carlos Cortes will make another start in left field for the A's and will hit sixth against Royals left-hander Noah Cameron. Soderstrom is still a little banged up from making a diving catch in left field on Tuesday and will sit out for the second straight game. His injury isn't serious at all, though, so fantasy managers should expect the left-handed-hitting slugger to return to action on Friday for the series opener against the visiting Cleveland Guardians. The 28-year-old Cortes has been on fire in the early going of the 2026 season for the A's, batting .400 (26-for-65) with four home runs, 13 RBI, and eight runs scored in his first 24 games. He comes into Thursday's game riding a nine-game hitting streak, going 17-for-30 (.567) with three homers, three doubles, a triple, seven RBI, and four runs scored during that span.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Lamar Jackson Remains an Elite Dynasty Quarterback Despite Injury-Marred 2025
After back-to-back first-team All-Pro selections in 2023 and 2024, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson battled through a down year due to injuries in 2025. Back and hamstring injuries forced Jackson to miss four games, and he set career lows in both single-season rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (two). The 29-year-old Jackson is currently in the midst of contract extension negotiations with the Ravens, but he was reportedly in attendance for the start of the team's offseason program in early April. In 2026, Jackson will be working with a new head coach for the first time in his career and will have to adjust to a new play-caller in former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. While the new offense could lead to some early-season struggles, it could also help Jackson get back to his MVP form. As long as he stays healthy, Jackson remains the best dual-threat quarterback in fantasy football and still offers dynasty QB1 upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jackson Holliday Expects to Begin Another Rehab Assignment Next Week
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand) expects to start another minor-league rehab assignment next week, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Holliday has been working out at Camden Yards after being pulled off his rehab assignment for a second time with soreness in his surgically-repaired right hand. The 22-year-old suffered a broken hamate bone early in spring training and required surgery, which is why he has yet to appear for Baltimore this year. Hopefully, the third time on a rehab assignment for Holliday is the charm, but there remains no timetable for him to make his 2026 season debut in the majors. In the meantime, Jeremiah Jackson will continue to carve out regular playing time in the keystone in Baltimore. In 56 plate appearances in the minors, Holliday has struggled to the tune of a .176/.250/.235 slash line. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues appear to be getting tired of stashing the former first overall pick, as he's now rostered in under 50% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
Orioles Expect Trevor Rogers Back When his 15 Days are Up
Baltimore Orioles left-hander Trevor Rogers (illness) is dealing with the flu and stayed home the last two days throwing up, which is why the team made the move to put him on the 15-day injured list, manager Craig Albernaz told Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun. The skipper expects Rogers back as soon as the minimum 15 days are up. After three straight quality starts to begin the 2026 campaign, Rogers has gone in the wrong direction, allowing 13 runs (12 earned) on 19 hits (three homers) while walking five and striking out 13 in 11 1/3 innings pitched over his last three starts. His placement on the IL will give Rogers plenty of time to overcome the flu and be ready to rejoin Baltimore's starting rotation in a couple of weeks. It's unclear who will take over Rogers' spot in the rotation for the next two turns through, but it could be young left-hander Cade Povich. Fantasy managers holding Rogers should give him the benefit of the doubt and stash him while he recovers from his illness. In 18 starts for the O's in 2025, he had an ERA under 2.00 with 103 K's in 109 2/3 innings.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Kyle Williams' Dynasty Value Limited by Uncertain Role in New England
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams struggled to carve out a consistent role in his team's offense as a rookie. Across 17 games, the 23-year-old recorded just 10 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns on 21 targets. Heading into 2026, Williams still projects to be behind Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and Kayshon Boutte on the Patriots' wide receiver depth chart. Boutte's name has come up in trade rumors, which could clear a path for Williams to step in as New England's primary deep-ball threat. However, the Patriots are also widely considered the favorites to land current Philadelphia Eagles superstar wideout A.J. Brown. If Brown does eventually end up in New England, it's difficult to imagine a world where Williams sees a significant playing time increase in his second season. Williams retains some dynasty upside due to his big-play ability, but his overall value is limited by his uncertain role with the Patriots.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Juan Soto Could Return to the Outfield This Weekend
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (forearm) could return to playing the outfield this weekend in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels, manager Carlos Mendoza told Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Soto was initially limited to designated hitter after returning from his calf strain last week before dealing with left-forearm tightness. In seven games since returning from the 10-day injured list, Soto has picked up where he left off offensively, going 7-for-24 (.292) with two home runs, a double, three RBI, and two runs scored in seven games played. The 27-year-old Dominican All-Star continues to be an offensive force for the Mets and for fantasy managers, and he's a must-start in all traditional leagues when he's active. Overall in 55 at-bats in 2026, Soto has a .327/.422/.545 slash line with a .967 OPS, three homers, eight RBI, and five runs scored. Even with Soto returning to the outfield soon, both MJ Melendez and Tyrone Taylor could see expanded playing time in New York going forward with Luis Robert Jr. (back) landing on the IL on Thursday.
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Sal Stewart Making a Start at Third Base Versus Rockies
Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart is making a start at third base and will bat cleanup for the Reds in Thursday's series finale against the visiting Colorado Rockies and right-hander Michael Lorenzen, according to MLB.com. Ke'Bryan Hayes is getting the day off, and Nathaniel Lowe will make the start across the diamond at first base for Cincy. This will be Stewart's first start at the hot corner in 2026, although he started four games at third last year and played the position plenty in the minors. If Stewart sees enough playing time at third to gain eligibility at the position in fantasy, it would only add to his rising profile in his first full season in the majors. The 22-year-old former first-rounder in 2022 has been one of the most productive hitters in baseball through the first month, hitting .288 (32-for-111) with nine home runs, 29 RBI, 19 runs scored, and even seven stolen bases in 30 games played. He leads baseball with his 29 RBI and .442 rOBA. Stewart quickly became a popular waiver-wire pickup in April, and he's now rostered in over 90% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Michael Harris II Sitting Against Tough Lefty on Thursday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II will take a seat for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Detroit Tigers with left-hander Framber Valdez on the mound, according to MLB.com. Eli White will make the start in center field for the Braves and will bat ninth. Harris typically starts against lefties, so this is probably just a good time for the Braves to give him a day off. He's gone 7-for-28 (.250) in 30 plate appearances against southpaws so far this year and has one of his six home runs on the season against them. Overall, Harris has been great in 2026, slashing .320/.355/.540 with an .895 OPS, six long balls, 20 RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 29 games played. He's gone 18-for-38 (.474) with four of his six homers in 12 games across the last two weeks. There aren't many players hotter than Harris in the first month of the season, and he should be back in Atlanta's starting nine for their series opener in Colorado against the Rockies on Friday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jhoan Duran Throwing a Bullpen on Thursday, to Return Soon?
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday for the first time since landing on the 15-day injured list with a left-oblique strain, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Duran has been on the IL for 16 days, but the Phillies are optimistic about his progress, and he could rejoin the back of the Phillies' bullpen soon. The hard-throwing 28-year-old Dominican is rostered in 97% of Yahoo leagues, so there's a slim chance he's available on your league's waiver wire. When healthy, Duran is one of the most dominant closers in baseball. Before going on the IL, he had a 1.35 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, five saves, eight strikeouts, and no walks in his 6 2/3 innings pitched. Duran had a career-high 32 saves last year between the Phillies and Minnesota Twins. With Duran sidelined of late, right-hander Brad Keller has emerged as the club's primary option for saves in the ninth inning.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
